Target Job Requirements

Documenting the requirements for your target job will provide clarity for you and the people you are engaging in your search.

This article aims to help you articulate the requirements for a job target. This will save you time and increase the probability of landing a job aligned with your vision.

I recommend you create an online document (e.g., GDoc or Word) to capture your responses to the questions below.

Role

• Role name: the target role is …

• Why: these are the reasons why I want this role now (create a list)

• Responsibilities: what responsibilities do you need to perform at your best, grow, and be fulfilled in your target job? You can leverage job descriptions from target companies, including the % of your time you expect. You can use this list of responsibilities and requirements when negotiating your role.

• Skill Gaps: these are competencies, skills, and certifications I need to reduce the friction in landing this target role (create list)

• Differentiation: how are you unique from the competition - the source of your value proposition? What is the short story of why you are best positioned for this job? Think about the skills and experiences you are blending together to offer something unique.

Organization

• Culture: I will excel in a culture that… (create list)

• Size: the company is

• Stage: the company is private (series ?) or public

• Geography: if in-person work is my preference or a requirement, I will live in these areas or cities (create a list)

• Industry: I have vertical experience or interest in these markets.

• Manager: I want a direct manager that has a style of these characteristics (create list)

• Values: My values align with these organization values…

• Named Companies: create a spreadsheet of target organizations with columns of essential characteristics to your search.

Rewards

• Salary: my target salary is ….

• Bonus: the target bonus I want to earn is?

• 401-K: I want a company to match up to x% of my contribution

• Stock: I wish to be granted a target stock value award of x%

• Professional Development: my target role enables me to learn through other people, training programs, conferences, etc.

• Working Remote: the company is flexible on where I work from

• PTO: I want x week of vacation

Non-Targets

• This is a list of characteristics and conditions of what I don’t want

Job Search Resources

• People: these are the people who are in a position to help me with my job search and how they can help

• Marketing: these are the actions I will take to strengthen and market my brand

• Search Firms: these are the search firms and recruiters that I am using to promote my profile.

• Affiliations: these are the affiliations I will use to communicate credibility and leverage people.

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